The OutPost

Do you Twitter?

Emile — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:30:52 +0000

I know that many of the members of Outdoorzy.com and readers of The OutPost are fairly tech savvy and up on all things new. However we here at ODZY, Inc are having a hard time finding value in this Twitter thing, and how to use it to bring value to our members.

I understand how and why celebrities use Twitter (tomorrow’s post will be about outdoor celebs who use it). I believe they see it as a way to keep in touch with fans directly and keeping media outside of the mix. I don’t understand however how large companies would use Twitter or why people would follow them.

We here at The Outpost / Outdoorzy have a twitter account, but we don’t use it yet. I would think anything of interest we would put there, we could put directly on The Outpost. So I don’t see why the information would need to come from two sources.

We truly are interested in your thoughts on this topic. If any of our readers Twitter, please let us know in the comments below and also how you use it and how often you use it. If we did start using our Twitter account, how would you like us to use it? What type of information would you like us to tweet your way?

I have also started a new twitter poll on the side of the site, feel free vote there as well. Thanks for the feedback!

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First Descents - Barry & Pam Help Out

Wade — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:01:24 +0000

What do Cancer, kayak camps, and mountain bike races have in common? Barry and Pam Davis, that’s what.

My 2 pals and their faithful wiener dog from the Vail Valley are raising some cash for First Descents, a charity that puts young adult cancer survivors in a kayak and helps remind them they can do anything. First Descents looks like a great charity, and I wanted to know more about how Barry and Pam are helping out this Summer. Here’s what Barry had to say…

Outdoorzy - So, in a nutshell, what are you doing?

Barry - We have challenged ourselves to spend this summer raising awareness and $10,000 for a local charity, First Descents. We felt the best medium for us to spread the word about the cause and our fund raising efforts was by connecting it with something we will already be doing a lot - riding our bikes. This summer we’ll be traveling around Colorado and a few other states riding and racing under the First Descents banner & talking to as many people as we can. I’ve created a blog to document our summer, please check it out. Feel free to follow along as I’ll be updating it often.

Outdoorzy - So what is First Descents exactly?

Barry - Founded here in the Vail area almost a decade ago, First Descents is committed to changing the lives of young adults fighting cancer. They start by teaching them to Kayak. By challenging cancer survivors to spend a week out of their comfort zone First Descents promised to change their lives forever. Eighteen to thirty-nine year olds are the fastest growing demographic with cancer, with 70,000 new cases diagnosed last year. Equally horrifying, the young adult demographic has been LAST in cure rates in the past 25 years. That’s us, our friends, our peers…

Outdoorzy - Okay, sounds like a no brainer. How can people help?

Barry - Our goal of raising $10,000 is enough to send 10 people to camp for 1 week. By help I mean we’ll take whatever you can give. I understand times ARE tough, but help can come in a lot of different forms. Email this to a friend, tell a coworker, give us advice, send us inspiration, give $1 or $100, or make a commitment to give monthly. Visit our blog, Come Ride With Us and click on the DONATE button to help out.

So don’t wait. If you’ve been looking for a worthwhile charity, this is the one. Times are tough, but imagine how much tougher they could be. Still not convinced? Check this out.

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The American Mountaineering Museum

Wade — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:11:55 +0000

If you find yourself in the Golden, CO area… after you have toured the Coors Brewery (3 free samples), you can walk off your buzz by heading up 3 short blocks to the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum. The museum is small in comparison with most museums (just over 3,000 sq feet), but they pack an amazing amount of information into that space.

The word “interactive” is what gets my attention when it comes to museums. I like to touch history, and be able to put a perspective on the subject matter. The American Mountaineering Museum does that. With a 3D model of the Mt Everest region the size of 3 ping pong tables, you won’t be disappointed. Not interested in the rich man’s mountain? No worries, the model also displays the surrounding 20,000+ ft peaks that can be climbed for a fraction of the cost. I’ve got my eye on Mt Everest’s little bro, Imja Tse (Island Peak).

You can touch and feel famous ice axes, spin a prayer wheel, play with a sweet interactive map of all the colorado 14ers, and learn some of the history of early mountaineering. There are also some very intruiging diplays about mountain culture around the world.

Once you’ve finished the $6.50 tour you’ll be ready to drive back to the hotel, or walk to a downtown eatery for some grub so you can pencil out your next expedition on a napkin.

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Slackin’ - Gibbon Slacklines

Wade — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:38:52 +0000

My wife teaches Yoga, so I know the importance of good balance in outdoor activities. Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, and Mountain Biking obviously require good balance. But sports like Backpacking and Paddling also require excellent inner ear usage as well. If a peakbagger on a steep trail looses his balance he could tumble 100s of feet. If a kayaker in a swollen river hits a hole at the wrong angle, the right body shift could saver her life.

Increasing balance can be achieved through yoga or certain types of strength training. But if you’re ready to add a more fun and a social element to your training, it’s time for a slackline. Gibbon Slacklines are the perfect way to kill some time with your friends while achieving a better sense of your body. Oh yeah, and they are friking fun as hell too!

Slacklines are easy to set up, all you need is two trees and know how to pull a lever to tighten the rope. Don’t leave too much slack or it will be unstable. Make sure all dangerous objects are out of the way, and have some friends on hand to assist you if needed. We tested the Gibbons brand Slackline out last week and fell in love. No don’t go expecting to be a pro in the first day. None of us stayed on for more than a few steps without grabbing a partners shoulder… But do expect to have alot of fun and get addicted quickly.

Slacklining is the perfect activity for a lazy summer afternoon (before you hit the microbrews people). It is also a great way to pass the time when you’re out camping. Anyone can try it, but it takes a real pro to get good. Check out some of these slacklining video (these are some serious slackliners).

A 49 footer will run you $80 bucks, and an 82 footer will run you $100 bucks. Check them out at GibbonSlacklines.com

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Running Barefoot

Emile — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:36 +0000

Random guy running in the Boston Marathon...barefoot!

Running any sort of race barefoot initially seems like a terrible idea. Many reasons come to my mind:

Most races are on asphalt which is hot, rocky and possibly full of junk that could cut up your feet (glass, metal, nails…etc).
I tend to twist my ankle a lot, and I would assume that would be the case if I tried to run any distance without support.
It would be murder on my feet. No padding and no shock absorption.

However there seems to be a group of people who think that running barefoot is actually the best way to run any race. that includes 5k, 10k, and full marathons.

A man who goes by Barefoot Ken Bob started a website dedicated to barefoot running. The site is simply called Running Barefoot. Barefoot Ken Bob is 53 years old and has run 349 races barefoot since 1998. 73 of those races have been full 26.2 mile marathons.

His site has a lot of useful information about barefoot running and also includes plans on how to start running and information on why barefoot running might be worth trying.

“So, why are you wearing your shoes? You probably believe your shoes are protecting you from injury, and if you have knee and back pains from running with shoes, you might imagine that the impact contributing to these problems must be even worse without shoes!

However, what we often forget about Running Barefoot, especially if it has been many years since we ran, or played, barefoot, if we ever did, is that it is only comfortable to land with impact, while wearing shoes.

One of the reasons we have so much fear of Running Barefoot, is pain. Yet, it is this pain that teaches us to run smoothly, and gently, and efficiently like so many runners from places like Africa, India, South America, etc..

Shoes block pain, not impact!”

Personally, I don’t know if this is something I would recommend, but I would say there might not be a lot of harm in giving it a shot. Maybe start off trying it for an eighth of a mile and see how it feels.

I do know some people who can’t find a good pair of shoes ever, and spend more time without shoes on then with. If this is you, maybe barefoot running is right up your ally.

photo from runningbarefoot.org

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How to have a terrible 4th of July

Emile — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:20:05 +0000

Following these steps should guarantee a terrible 4th.

Play Games with Fireworks.

This includes such fun games as:

See how long I can hold this firework before I throw it into the air.

Watch Dad jump when I shoot this bottle rocket at his face!

It may say put on ground, but this is the kind you can hold. Trust me, Uncle Stubby did it all the time.

We all love fireworks and they can be a lot of fun, but they are still like small bombs. They should be treated as such. Following proper firework safety is always a good idea.

Gasoline, the other fire starter.

Gasoline does a decent job of getting us from point A to point B, but if the grill won’t light don’t pour gas on it then plan to light a match. Be prepared and find some lighter fluid or easy light briquettes. However using either of these to start a grill could cause your food to taste a little funny. Many times though, lighter fluid needs to be used, but should be used in moderation.

Check out ehow for more tips on how to get that grill started.

Tons of Alcohol + Lake = Awesome!

Many of us are going to try to make it out to our local lake this weekend to celebrate the country’s independence and that extra day off work. As much as you don’t want to, go ahead and be sure that you will show back up to work on Monday. Trust me, there will be enough people drinking in excess out on the lake this weekend. Some of those people will driving 200 hp engines across water while telling the guy next to them how much he rocks and how much he loves him. There is no need for you to be apart of that action.

Also it seems every 4th you hear about someone diving into shallow water at a lake. When judgment is impaired, jumping off cliffs isn’t as scary as it probably should be. No need to do something that could kill you or possibly paralyze you

We here at The OutPost / Outdoorzy wish everyone a safe and fun 4th of July.

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Running Tips from a Personal Trainer

Elizabeth — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:05:29 +0000

Rebecca O’Reilly personal trainer and co-founder of the New Orleans Fitmom organization has some really great tips and motivational ideas about how to train for a race but also how to view ourselves once we begin the journey!

O’Reilly says:
1) Make sure you have good shoes. This is not an area to skimp on, if you can go to a running store and have them fitted, it will be worth it.

Your shoes should be replaced about every 350 miles or 4-6 months. Don’t get brand new shoes before the big race - you are guaranteeing yourself blisters! Make sure you have a chance to break them in for at least a week or so before your big run.

2) Don’t underestimate your rest days. Your body needs time to recover and strengthen properly if you don’t give it time.

3) Have fun! Setting a new goal is a great motivator. Don’t get bogged down in other people’s running times or techniques. If it works for you, and gets you over the finish line that’s what counts. Decide if you just want to complete, or if you are in it to compete.

4) Most importantly — once you start running, you can now call yourself a runner! I have had clients who tell me that because they walked part of a 5k, or half marathon they can’t call themselves a runner — I say BS!

5) The web is a wealth of information for runners, both new and experienced. Runners World is a great source of reliable information on any running topic you can think of.

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Tips on Training Half-Marathon

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:52 +0000

So I am definitely no expert; far far far from it in fact — I used to cringe at the thought of running! All 5′foot inches of me has NEVER been a runner; I mean check out my legs, right! So what that means for you is if I can do it, you can totally do it.

All it takes is motivation, a slow beginning, and consistency; what do you get in exchange — the absolute love of running, the liberation and freedom of feeling the wind brush past your face and the feeling of all your troubles melting away. It’s worth it!

Tips:

1. Find a reason
I never dreamed I’d run a ½ marathon until my SISTER suggested it. She was my motivation; I wanted to train and run the race because I knew it would be good for us. We picked a race, paid for it, and agreed that we were in it together!

2. Get a partner/supporter
Whether it is someone who can train with you or just a person who you can call to say, “OMG I just finished 8 miles” you need someone who is supportive. Find a forum to talk with runners, but make sure other people are involved so you will stay accountable and enthusiastic.

3. Plan, Plan, Plan
Get a running schedule and write down the weeks on your calendar. So my cousin, Rebecca O’ Reilly is a personal trainer with Fitmom, and she sent my sister and I a 10 week running schedule It had us running 4 days a week, but we cut it back to 3 due to time constraints. Do what works for your life, but be dedicated; we skipped our spring break weeks, because we knew we’d be too busy. If you miss a running day, forgive yourself and move on. Remember this is supposed to be fun.

**10-Week Half Marathon Training Schedule**
Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun	Total
1	3	Rest	3	3	Rest	4	Rest	13
2	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	5	Rest	15
3	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	6	Rest	16
4	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	8	Rest	19
5	3	Rest	5	3	Rest	10	Rest	21
6	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	11	Rest	24
7	4	Rest	6	4	Rest	12	Rest	26
8	4	Rest	5	4	Rest	9	Rest	22
9	3	Rest	4	3	Rest	8	Rest	18
10	3	Rest	3	Walk 2	Rest	13.1	Rest	21.1

From MarathonRookies.com

4. Just Do It
Don’t put it off; run outside-run in a gym-use a treadmill-search for challenging courses… whatever but get out there and start!

Notes
Equipment: I found I needed knee braces; pay attention to your body! I also needed Superfeet insoles and a fabulous sports bra! I spent some bucks but it was well worth it.

Extras: Try to balance your running with other activities like yoga; the pounding can take a toll on your lower back so cat/cow is a great yoga pose for evening out your body’s needs.

My Sister, Dee’s, 2 cents:
“It helped me to train with a partner…whether alone or with Dawn (aka Elizabeth)!! We trained together but were in different physical states. (Dee was working off baby weight)

“I was able to run the longer runs outside easier than on a treadmill. Talk radio, great music and books on tape helped a lot too!!”

“Same time, same day each week helped…made a routine of it…an exercise ‘date!’ Sign up for a couple of smaller races before hand to make it fun!”

“I gave myself a treat after a long run for the week…called a friend, ate chocolate, walked with a friend, a special breakfast, read a long awaited book!”

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Origo Rendezvous Peak Review

Wade — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:52:13 +0000

To celebrate the new redesign and renaming of the Outpost blog we are giving one of these top notch watches away. To win, comment at the bottom of this blog post on how you would use this watch for training or in the field and visit OrigoWorld.com to find out more about Origo.

We have reviewed a slew of watches here at Outdoorzy, each with their own unique features and price points. But we hadn’t reviewed an Origo Watch until now. After wearing the Rendezvous Peak watch for a few weeks I’ve found one clear feature that sets it apart from the other outdoor sports watches out there, ease-of-use. I like the fact that I didn’t have to read the instructions to figure out how it works. Granted, I test gear, alot. But, there are 4 buttons; Mode, Adjust, Start/Stop, and Reset… fairly self explanitory. With a little trial and error you can figure out how to calibrate the watch.

Altimeter - I had no problem calibrating this feature, and it seems accurate when there is little elevation change. I am currently testing this watch and moving up and down from 10-14,000 feet several times throughout the course of this week in Colorado. I will update on how well the altimeter stays calibrated upon my return.

Time/Chronograph/Alarm - These features are pretty much standard on most sports watches. The Rendezvous Peak is no different. These features have performed at or above expectations during the trial period.

Compass - The compass worked well. You have to remember when using a digital compass that the slightest movement can change the reading. If the watch is not sitting on a perfectly level surface you may get an inaccurate reading. This holds true for the Rendezvous Peak as well. But, when you tilt the watch down toward the ground for instance, you get a message that reads “Distort”. This way you know you are not holding the watch level. Always keep a magnetic compass with you in the backcountry. But a digital watch compass will serve as a good general guide.

Barometer - Once set this seemed fairly accurate. It did take some work to figure this out however. Make sure the barometer is set before you calibrate your altitude or it won’t be accurate since the altimeter takes it’s measurements from barometric pressure changes.

There are different color versions, like silver, and black with a reverse display. All in all a good watch. Although I am not the type to read manuals, you may want to read a manual for a watch that you could be using to bet your hide on. You don’t want to get caught at elevation and a storm rolls in and you aren’t aware, or not know exactly where you are because your altimeter isn’t calibrated correctly.

Retails for $170, but you can pick one up cheaper on Amazon (may be an older model).

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5 things to do in Hawaii

Emile — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:52:32 +0000

I recently just returned from an awesome Hawaiian vacation. This was a Hawaii cruise that started in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, then moved on to the big island (actually called Hawaii) staying at Hilo. We next moved on to Maui and docked at Kahului. We then headed back to the big island to Kona, then moved to Nawiliwili on the Kauai and finished the trip back at Honolulu.

This was a fantastic way to see the islands of Hawaii and gives us an idea of where we would actually like to stay next time we make the trip out there.

The islands are beautiful and there are a ton of things to do. These 5 things represent a few outdoorsy things that can be done for little or no money and are definately worth the time.

One item to note is that with all of these a car rental is probably needed, or at least a scooter rental. Some you could try to do by bike, but others would be a little to hard especially the uphill trek to Haleakala.

Iao Valley, Maui

Iao Valley is a really nice small (6.2 acres for the entire park) state park. The area has lots of vegetation, a stream running through it, and tons of moutainous terrain made, of course, by volcanic activity. The park contains the Iao Needle (pictured above) which is a 1,200 ft from the floor of the valley.

Haleakala, Maui

Haleakala is a National Park that has a ridiculously curvy road to get to the highest elevation in the park. From that elevation you can see the “crater” (above). If you have the stomach for the drive and the time the trip is worth it. It is a great view up there and the drive up you are eventually above the cloud line. There are many bike companys that will allow you to ride down from the top (on their bikes) and they follow behind you so they can help you out if you fall into trouble. The park also has many trails in the summit area ranging from less than an hour to as long as three days.

Black Sand Beach (Punalu’u Beach on the big island of Hawaii)

One reason to try to make a trip to see this is that it is just so unusual. We have all probably spent a lot of times at beaches but normally not any that have black sand. The beach also is home to sea turtles which are found there often. There are signs posted all over the beach not to take any of the sand. There is even a curse associated with taking the sand. Camping is allowed at Punalu’u park, however this is probably not a place you want to lay out and catch some sun. The beach is very rocky, but it is still a beautiful spot to check out.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The whole reason we even have the islands of Hawaii is because of the volcanos. This national park contains a currently active volcano, Kilauea. The park has many different areas to visit, however much of the road around the rim of Kilauea is closed because of sulphur dioxide gas in the area. It is still a good trip to make out to the park. There is restaurant at the park where you can eat and see a fantastic view of the volcano (picutre above was taken there). There are many trails inside the park but you should check the park’s site to see which trails are open.

Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauai)

Waimea Canyon on the garden isle of Kauai is sometimes known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. The canyon is about 10 miles long and 3000 feet deep in parts. The trip to the canyon is a long one with many winding roads, but also has many great lookouts along the way. There are many trails available for novice on up to experienced hikers.

There are many other great things to do in Hawaii, but these few things I found on my trip to be fun and inexpensive.

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